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> World Marriage Day
You are invited to honor married couples on World Marriage Day, February 14, the second Sunday of February. A quote from the USCCB Pastoral Letter, Stewardship: a Disciple’s Response: “Christians are called to be good stewards of the personal vocations they receive. Each of us must discern, accept, and live out joyfully and generously the commitments, responsibilities, and roles to which God calls him or her.” Pg.13. Thus, couples are invited to be good stewards of their vocation to marriage… Liturgical Suggestions Introduction: Today we celebrate World Marriage Day which honors husband and wife as head of the family, the basic unit of society. It salutes the beauty of their faithfulness, sacrifice and joy in daily, married life. In 1993, his Holiness, Pope John Paul II, imparted his Apostolic Blessings on World Marriage Day. Sample General Intercessions (Husband and Wife to deliver) (From the Book of Blessing, The Roman Ritual New York: Catholic Book Publishing) Celebrant: (#100 in Book of Blessing) In the tender plan of His providence, God our almighty Father has given married love, its faithfulness (and its fruitfulness), a special significance in the history of salvation. Let us therefore call upon Him saying: Lord hear our prayer. Husband: For our Holy Father, our bishops, clergy, religious and laity, that they may be faithful in their call to fidelity and service. Let us pray to the Lord. Wife: For all married couples, that God give them comfort and strength in each other and joy in their children. Let us pray to the Lord. Husband: That all husbands may have the wisdom and courage to help their wives grow and develop their talents, to become all God wants them to be. Let us pray to the Lord. Wife: That all wives among us have the knowledge and the will to encourage their husbands to grow and fulfill all the rich potential that lies within them. Let us pray to theLord. Husband: For all those preparing for marriage, that God guide them to a deep appreciation of this Sacrament. Let us pray to the Lord. Wife: For widows and widowers, that God may comfort them with compassion. Let us pray to the Lord. Husband: For those who suffer the pain of a troubled marriage, separation or divorce, that God guide them into a future filled with hope. Let us pray to the Lord. Wife: For a greater respect for the dignity of marriage and family in our nation and society. Let us pray to the Lord. Celebrant: (the celebrant concludes the intercessions by saying :) (#111 in Book of Blessing) Almighty and eternal God, you have so exalted the unbreakable bond of marriage that it has become the sacramental sign of your Son's union with the Church as His spouse. Look with favor on these married couples, whom you have united in marriage, as they ask for your help and the protection of the Virgin Mary. They pray that in good times and in bad they will grow in love for each other; that they will resolve to be of one heart in the bond of peace. Lord, in their struggles let them rejoice that you are near to help them; in their needs let them know that you are there to rescue them; in their joys let them see that you are the source and completion of every happiness. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen For more ideas, visit the World Marriage Day website. | |||||||||||||
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